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Here’s an interesting dog breed for you—the Bassador! Are you familiar with this dog breed? If not, you’re in for a great treat!
We’ve put together some information about this unique dog breed and hope this guide helps you decide if the Bassador is the right companion for your family. Let’s get started!
What is a Bassador?
The Bassador is a hybrid dog breed (also called a designer dog) that was originally bred in the 1990s and into the 2000s. This was a time when dog breeders were experimenting with breeding different dogs together to create healthier, unique dogs.
Anyway, back to the Bassador, this is a hybrid dog breed that resulted from crossing a purebred Labrador Retriever with a Basset Hound. What a mix! The Labrador and the Basset Hound are two very different dogs; however, they were both originally bred for hunting. Otherwise, these two dogs breeds are quite different.
The Labrador Retriever has been used as a hunting dog; however, they were originally bred to help fishermen with their nets! The dogs came from Newfoundland, off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Today, Labs are the top dog in the US on the AKC’s list of registered dog breeds. You can’t help but love a Lab.
These dogs are athletic and muscular, made for sports and working hard. Labs are people-oriented and must live near their families. While they were bred to be working dogs, most of them are family companions today. Labs are gentle, kind, loving, and sensitive. These are the very qualities that make them wonderful assistance dogs. However, they also do great work as search & rescue dogs, and more.
The Bassador’s other purebred parent is the Basset hound. These dogs were originally developed in France to be hunting dogs, and they continue to be wonderful scent hounds. The dogs are known for their easy-going personalities and short legs. They’re also popular family companions who are still sometimes used as hunting dogs.
Basset hounds are low to the ground, yet their bodies are heavy and muscular. They look like large dogs with short legs, yet they’re pretty adorable. And some Basset Hounds believe they’re lapdogs, albeit slight large ones!
The dogs tend to be a bit lazy around the house, and they’re very loyal to their families. The dogs are also usually friendly and love to be with their families. Basset Hounds also tend to do well with other pets. However, they may develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.
So, while the Bassador’s parents have some things in common, they’re very different dog breeds. With parents like these, how could the Bassador go wrong?
Bassadors usually stand between 13-20 inches tall and weigh between 45-70 lbs. They have a life expectancy between 10 to 15 years.
Bassador Appearance
The Bassador ranges in size but is usually considered to be a medium-sized dog. However, if the Bassador takes after their Lab parent, they may be a bit taller and larger, though not by much.
Bassadors tend to have a stocky build that makes them more prone to becoming obese. And they have a longer body and shorter legs like their Basset Hound parent.
These dogs come in a wide range of colors, including:
- Black
- Chocolate
- Mahogany
- Yellow
- White
- Tan
- Brown
- Lemon
- Red
- Blue
- And more
What’s more, Bassadors may come in multi-colors that include any of the colors listed above.
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Ask a Vet Live NowBassador Temperament
Bassadors are said to make wonderful companion dogs. They love to be with their favorite humans and families. And like their Basset Hound parents, these dogs don’t do well left home alone for long periods. They have a tendency to develop separation anxiety.
The Bassador is usually a friendly, outgoing dog. However, if your fur baby has more Basset Hound in his genes, he may be a little wary of strangers. With proper training and socialization, even the shiest Bassador will be more friendly and outgoing!
Because both parents are hunters, Bassadors may have a strong prey drive. They may go after cats and other small pets. And they may track critters outside. Don’t be surprised if your Bassador digs out of the yard (even when it’s fenced) or pulls hard on his leash when he spots an animal running around.
Are Bassadors Good for Families?
These dogs love to be with their families. They tend to be more outgoing (if they have more of the Lab’s genes), and they thrive on giving and receiving love. However, they do need a lot of attention.
Bassadors are devoted and loyal to their families and love to help when possible. They also do well with kids as playmates!
Do Bassadors Get Along with Other Pets?
Bassadors can have a very high prey drive and, for this reason, may not be the right choice for families that have small pets.
It’s possible to train the dogs not to go after small pets; however, this is a long, arduous process since the dog’s natural instinct is to hunt.
The good news is that Bassadors generally get along well with other dogs in the home.
Exercise Requirements
Bassadors do require plenty of exercise to keep them from gaining weight and becoming obese. The problem is that these dogs love to eat. If they overeat, the Bassador can quickly put on weight. Without the right amount of exercise, they can easily become obese.
Bassadors need at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day to stay at a healthy weight.
Training
Bassadors are a dog breed that loves to chew and chase prey animals. So, they require plenty of training and socialization to overcome these tendencies. However, training can be a challenge as the dogs may be more stubborn (like their Basset Hound parent).
So, Bassadors do best with pet parents who understand how to handle dogs such as the Basset Hound and the Lab.
Grooming
Bassadors usually have short, dense coats that shed quite a bit. But shedding can be controlled by brushing 2 to 3 times a week. During shedding season (spring & fall), you may want to consider brushing your fur baby once a day to manage copious shedding during these times of the year.
Summing It Up
Bassadors are an adorable mix of the Basset Hound and Labrador Retriever. They usually have stocky, muscular bodies combined with short legs. These dogs are best suited for families who have kids and can spend a lot of time with their fur babies. Bassadors thrive on love and are seriously devoted to their families.
However, these dogs are not the best choice for families that have other small pets such as cats and rodents.
Even so, we’re pretty sure if you adopt a Bassador, you’ll have many adventures together in the years ahead!
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Kyoko
Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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